Hello IndieTop39 family! Another great week has come and past us by bringing with it all sorts of cool things. The debut of skateboarding at the Olympics, water on Jupiter moon, and i’m sure a myriad of other cool stuff that I’m blissfully unaware of. Alongside all that we have some great music by some great artists. Although many of the artists here earned their spot with their phenomenal voices there are some seriously talented producers and instrumentalists here as well! Without further ado, here is this week’s New Music Sunday.
George Holliday » Ivory Eyes
Tender and powerful are only some of the adjectives that first come to mind when hearing ‘Ivory Eyes’ by George Holliday.
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Right off the bat UK-based artist George Holliday commands attention with his contemplative and strong vocals. The driving force in the rhythm section compliments the explorative nature of the verses. Everything points towards the chorus and grows on the texture. Beautiful vocals carry the song exhibiting George Holliday phenomenally. Due to the ever expanding soundscape the energy just keeps building throughout. Sometimes its something as simple as long orchestral propping up the repetitive piano line and the melody. It’s thin and full at the same time. The atmosphere is just electric throughout this phenomenal song.
Colour Formation » The Script
Colour Formation know their worth and aren’t settling for less on ‘The Script’
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Have you ever felt stuck in a rut? On ‘The Script’ Leeds-based pop-duo, The Script are sick and tired of men pulling the same shitty moves. The song is not only upbeat and fun, but brutally honest as well. At no point does it have to compromise the energy to get the point across. At points relying on claps to drive the rhythm, at others the cymbals or even the guitar. Although there’s a lot of movement going on behind the lead vocals, it never loses its light playful energy. Additionally, it all serves to support and allow lead vocalist Lau to have fun and really shine.
Danny Mellin » His Favourite Sweatshirt
‘His Favourite Sweatshirt’ shows off the depth of Danny Mellins artistry while remaining catchy, and innovative.
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Rock is alive and well on Oxford-based artist Danny Mellin’s new single ‘His Favourite Sweatshirt’. Cool guitar lines lead the song and hang out next to the lead vocals in the mix. The triplets in the chorus caught me off guard at first but cement in the groove. It isn’t often that a song’s verses are as catchy as the chorus, but Danny Mellin and the band have created a song that’s interesting through every part. Danny’s voice sounds phenomenal, due in part to the rhythm section being so tight. Any movement was supported from the ground up. The drums never left their pocket, and guitars delivered memorable riffs that round out the song.
ELLAJAY » Part Time Boyfriend
It has been hours and ‘Part Time Boyfriend’ is still stuck in my head
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EllaJay’s soothing voice contrasts the bari sax phenomenally. Her vocal lines soar over top while the low notes give the foundation. Whenever the sax interjects a quick riff it stands out and grooves regardless of whatever’s happening around it. Breaking into the acapella at the end gives ‘Part Time Boyfriend’ a chance to feel more down to Earth and intimate. It sounds like a bunch of friends gathered around a campfire just singing and having fun. Between the catchy melody and the tasteful jazzy licks this song is simply awesome.
EXPRESS OFFICE PORTICO » Mishmesh
Between the energy and beautiful vocals, ‘Mishmesh’ was unforgettable
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The arpeggiating synth that opens the song eases into the alt rock texture seamlessly. Airy vocals drift over top the almost 70s vibes throughout. The melody is handed between voices and nobody dominates another. They all work together to create this dystopian texture. The power is tangible as the song pushes forwards. From simple lines to countermelodies the guitars were eerie and alongside the vocals sent chills down my spine. Occasionally mixing the vocals behind the rhythm section caused the song to push and pull through the verses. Above all, the insistent rhythm section and gorgeous layered vocals worked phenomenally well together.
JAKLIU » All Cash, No Love
Enchanting melodies contrast the heavily produced drums phenomenally on ‘All Cash, No Love’
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On ‘All Cash, No Love’, Dublin-based artist Jakliu explores intricate rhythms alongside alluring melodies. The soundscape feels oddly dystopian.Heavily mixed vocals compliment the groove set up by the busy drum kit. The occasional glitches in the texture draws the listener back to the beat. Constantly pushing the energy helped draw out the easy-goingness of the melodic ideas. The spacy synths help easygoing melodies drift along. It sounds like something out of a new age coffee house and I can’t get enough of it. Between the unique and interesting rhythms and melodies that feel eerily pretty, the whole song takes an energy all its own.
JIM MCHUGH » Her Love
‘Her Love’ flows with the strength of a river through the cavernous lows and mountainous highs of the song.
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The full vocals dominate the thin texture on Irish singer Jim McHugh’s new song ‘Her Love’. Plucky strings help push the song along as Jim Mchughs poetic lyrics lead the song. He sounds perfectly comfortable singing growly deep verses as well as soaring falsettos. Although the band behind him plays more notes than he does, it isn’t until the last minute or so that they show off their chops. The ever-expanding soundscape empowers the lead vocals and helps the poetic lyrics hit home. Another great addition to Jim’s growing discography.
NICKY PHILLIPS » Home
Nicky Phillips’ song, ‘Home’ is as soothing as its name implies.
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Nicky Phillips voice is as sweet as honey over the driving strings. Throughout the ever evolving texture Nicky Phillips sounds in command the whole time. Her voice graces the strings and leads the song through its highs and lows. Although there is so much change and innovation going on behind the lead vocals the song keeps its simple feel. In a similar vein, everything feels very safe. Nothing feels out of place or challenges the texture. Melancholy undertones compliment the happy theme and add depth. ‘Home’ sounds like what growing old with someone you love feels like.
VOLLEYBALL » Aloosh
The airy almost psychedelic groove on ‘Aloosh’ was as refreshing as it was innovative.
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Volleyball sound deceptively familiar on their new track ‘Aloosh’. Between their catchy vocal lines and versatility switching the groove, ‘Aloosh’ is a bunch of fun to listen to. The minute the song feels comfortable the group takes an abrupt left turn. Although it was unexpected, nothing bogged down the transition and it felt perfect. It broadened the sound of the group and kept the song feeling fresh throughout. At points the song takes on almost Portugal, the Man vibes. Above all, the song was fun and easy to listen to. Volleyball showcased their incredible range as well as making a song that gets stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
New Music Sunday » 39 Best Songs Released This Week
